Despite the fact that the global population of the world is growing, the world is increasingly becoming a lonely place. Statistics show us that loneliness is at an all-time high. The scary thing is that many people don’t even realize their need for community because of the false reality that social media has created for us; giving us the idea we’re very connected to others. In the church we see this play out as people will attend worship regularly, sit in a room with hundreds of people, potentially shake some hands. They may make superficial conversation with some people before or during the service and then once it’s over, they’re gone. Honestly, one of the saddest things is when I hear about is someone who talks about how they just don’t feel connected in our church. Then, I find out the only thing they do is attend worship. As important as the worship gathering is, if that’s your main connection point to the church, then you’re going to find yourself lonely and disconnected as well.
This is exactly why plugging into a Bible Study group is so important. We call our groups Sunday School and many of them meet on Sunday morning. As we’ve already talked about, connection or community is an important aspect of Sunday School, but why else would you take another hour of your week to be a part of such a group? Sunday School is the main strategy our church uses to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments. Here’s how:
- One of the goals of Sunday School is helping people CONNECT to Christ and to others. Sunday School is intentionally evangelistic. It is designed to unify groups of people in working together to reach people like that. That makes it the perfect next step for people who live in our community or who learn about our church through participation in another ministry. Sunday School groups usually hit a target demographic or life stage. In doing so, each group is best equipped to reach those similar to them. That’s why it’s so important that we have Sunday School groups for all ages.
- Sunday School groups are built to help people GROW in knowledge and wisdom of God’s Word. We use a curriculum that is simple enough for the new believer to take their first steps and also effective in setting up the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of the long time believer. Part of growth in our Christian walk takes place in the context of community where, “iron sharpens iron”. Where we can help each other with the speck in another’s eye, all while dealing with the log in our own eye. Spiritual growth is more about what you learn to do and how you serve God as a result of the teaching than it is a new nugget of truth you’ve never heard. That’s why Sunday School is a launch pad for new leaders both in the Sunday School ministry and in other ministries throughout the church.
- The natural overflow of someone becoming a disciple by helping people Connect to Christ and Grow in the teaching of the Word is to begin to SERVE. Sunday School provides opportunities to serve both in terms of leadership and roles to help the group exist. Probably equally important are the countless opportunities that exist to serve one another. When you’re part of a group, you get to know people, you learn about their needs, you begin to pray for them and ultimately you minister to their needs. It’s in the context of a Sunday School group where the vast majority of the needs of people in our church are cared for. Through the fellowship of believers who grow in relationship with one another, a love for one another develops and beautiful ministry begins to take place among the people involved.
If you’ve never considered joining a Sunday School group or maybe you just haven’t quite found the right one for you; now is a great time to Plug Into Sunday School! Over the next few weeks you’ll notice a number of our Sunday School groups in the foyer ready to share with you about their group. If you need help finding a group, you’re always welcome to stop by our Welcome Center and they can direct you towards a group that fits where you’re at in life. Another great way to find a group is by heading over the our website where you can check out a listing of all our Bible study group opportunities: http://www.fbcwentzville.com/ss-finder/